Dumped huskies need new home
Michelle Attwood desperately needs a new facility for the abandoned huskies she rehomes.
Falcon, Harley, Shilo, Chang, Maui, Aoife, Tofu, Ranger, Robdog, Teeco, Kipper, Shilo, Indie and Benji are among 24 Christchurchbased dogs cared for by Husky Rescue NZ volunteers.
The charitable organisation takes in the high-energy, wolf-like dogs, checks their health, suitability for rehoming and arranges for them to be de-sexed and vaccinated. It has been overrun as the breed’s popularity soars thanks to TV shows like Game of Thrones – and buyers underestimate how much attention the breed needs.
Five huskies have been handed over in the past fortnight and five others are on the waiting list.
Backyard breeders, Facebook and Instagram sellers added to the already-saturated market, Attwood said.
The same issue arose with collies after the success of Lassie, and dalmatians after the Disney film, Attwood said.
Attwood is searching for a bigger, purpose-built facility – ideally a kennel or a large flat piece of land – to house the dogs.
The small rescue centre started nearly a decade ago when Attwood got a husky off Trade Me and noticed the same huskies being listed and relisted with different owners.
This year, the organisation’s West Melton premises is bursting with animals ready to be adopted, growing from two dogs to nearly 50 Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes and various crossbreeds.
Many owners did not appreciate the mammoth commitment, including walking the dogs at least 5 kilometres a day, cleaning and training them, Attwood said.
Centre dogs chew through 20 kilograms of donated food a day, cost about $2500 each per year, and Attwood cares for them from 6am to 6pm.
‘‘Be honest with yourself about your ability to commit to the breed,’’ Attwood said.
‘‘If you move overseas, take it with you. If you can’t find a rental that will allow you to have a dog, wait till you can.’’